Comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor!
Looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dinner that’s easy to throw together? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, all baked together into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights, this casserole will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this delicious Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole step by step!
What is Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting baked dish that combines seasoned chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of cheeses, cream, and spices. This casserole is baked until bubbly and golden brown on top, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. The spinach adds a boost of nutrition, while the cheesy, creamy sauce brings all the cozy flavors together. It’s also easy to customize and adapt to different tastes.
Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, comforting casserole:
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5-6 cups fresh spinach (or 1 (10 oz) package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or light mayo)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to mix with breadcrumbs)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is versatile and can be adapted to suit different preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
- Swap fresh spinach for frozen: If you don’t have fresh spinach, thawed frozen spinach works just as well. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water to avoid making the casserole watery.
- Low-carb option: Skip the breadcrumbs for a lower-carb version, or use crushed pork rinds as a keto-friendly topping.
- Different cheeses: While mozzarella works great, you can mix in or swap it for cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach for an earthy flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach in batches, cooking until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out excess liquid before adding to the pan. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Chicken and Spinach:
- Add the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until the chicken and spinach are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crunchy finish.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If using breadcrumbs, they should be lightly toasted.
- If the top browns too quickly, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Sauté the spinach: Cook the spinach with garlic for added flavor.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine chicken and spinach: Stir the cooked chicken and spinach into the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the chicken mixture in a baking dish and top with cheese (and breadcrumbs if using).
- Bake until golden: Bake until bubbly and golden brown, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using watery spinach: Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from thawed frozen spinach to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Overcooking the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, be careful not to overcook it when baking. The chicken just needs to heat through.
- Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps in your sauce.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is rich and filling, so it pairs well with lighter sides or a simple salad. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls: A side of warm garlic bread or soft rolls is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
- Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, serve the casserole with cauliflower rice on the side.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here are some ways to serve this comforting dish:
- Family-style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Individually plated: Spoon portions onto individual plates, and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flair.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness to the dish.
- Add extra Parmesan: Just before serving, add an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a quick and easy shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves time.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk up the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to perfection. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, all baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein and greens, this casserole is both comforting and nutritious. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- Fresh spinach
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sour cream
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and onion until softened.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked spinach mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if preferred.
- Add mushrooms or artichokes for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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